Tag: rates

NL ELECTION UPDATE: Provincial Liberals non-committal on Marine Atlantic rates

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Two days after what was to have been polling day in the COVID-disrupted Newfoundland and Labrador election, Transport Action Atlantic received a reply from the Liberal Party regarding our invitation for position statements on Marine Atlantic ferry rates.

Although the ferry service is a federal constitutional responsibility as stated in the Terms of Union under which the province joined Canada, there is widespread concern over the rapidly escalating cost to users amid Transport Canada’s demands for 65% cost recovery. TAA believes that provincial politicians must become more assertive to ensure that the intent of the 1949 agreement is respected. Accordingly, we reached out to all four parties in the campaign.

Here is what the Liberal Party had to say on the issue:

“Our Liberal Government has long enjoyed a strong and positive relationship with Ottawa and we have maintained that relationship by working hand in hand with our local members of parliament. We will always advocate to Ottawa for equitable treatment of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our federal MP’s are integral to that effort. We want the route to benefit residents of our province who travel it as well as residents whose employment depends on it.

“Through ongoing meetings and consultations as well as an ongoing open dialogue with the Government of Canada, we continue to make the case that ferry rates should be set so as to not have any negative impact on business, trade and tourism. We continue to be committed to that approach and will call for a rate review at every possible opportunity.”

Whatever the eventual outcome of the now-delayed vote, TAA is committed to working with all parties, organizations and individuals that are supportive of affordable ferry rates.

NL ELECTION UPDATE: Provincial Tories take a stand on Marine Atlantic rates

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With less than four days remaining before polling day in the February 13th Newfoundland and Labrador election, Transport Action Atlantic has received one encouraging response to its invitation for position statements on Marine Atlantic ferry rates.

Although the ferry service is a federal constitutional responsibility as stated in the Terms of Union under which the province joined Canada, there is widespread concern over the rapidly escalating cost to users amid Transport Canada’s demands for 65% cost recovery. TAA believes that provincial politicians must become more assertive to ensure that the intent of the 1949 agreement is respected. Accordingly, we reached out to all four parties, but as of noon on February 9 only one written statement had been received.

Here, in part, is what PC Leader Ches Crosbie had to say on the issue:

“As you acknowledge, Marine Atlantic is the responsibility of the federal government. But that does not mean I cannot stand up and hold them accountable. The federal government should ensure that Marine Atlantic provides affordable and reliable service. As you note, it is their constitutional responsibility to do so. A PC government will work with the federal government and press them to keep rates as low as possible. Ottawa must step up and not ignore our province.

“To answer your specific questions, yes, I do support the principle that the cost to use the ferry service between Port aux Basques and North Sydney should be comparable to the cost incurred to travel a similar distance via road. Additionally, regardless of the election result, I will support a full review of the existing Marine Atlantic rates to ensure that the Federal Government is compliant with the Terms of Union.”

We are appreciative that Mr. Crosbie took the time to address our concern during a busy campaign amid many issues clamouring for attention. Whatever the outcome of Saturday’s vote, TAA is committed to working with all parties, organizations and individuals that are supportive of affordable ferry rates.

Newfoundland Ferry Rates – a provincial election issue?

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Transport Action Atlantic is an all-volunteer non-partisan advocacy organization, with a history dating back nearly half a century. Our mandate is to promote and campaign for convenient, affordable and sustainable public transportation services for Atlantic Canadians. That’s why we’re asking what we believe is an important question during the current Newfoundland and Labrador election campaign.

TAA has been increasingly concerned at the serious escalation in Marine Atlantic ferry rates, which have more than doubled over the past two decades because of increased cost recovery demands from Transport Canada. An updated backgrounder on this issue is available HERE.

Why should a federally funded ferry service be an issue in a provincial election? Because it’s apparent that the Government of Canada is not meeting its obligations under the 1949 Terms of Union, and provincial politicians should be taking them to task.

We are inviting parties and candidates in this campaign to present their views on this critical issue. TAA believes that the ferry service between Port aux Basques and North Sydney should be considered a part of the Trans Canada Highway, and that the cost to users should be comparable to driving the same 180-km distance. That principle was incorporated in the 1949 Terms of Union, under which Newfoundland and Labrador became Canada’s tenth province, which specifically addressed railway rates as that was the dominant transport mode at the time. Highway has now completely superseded rail, but we maintain that the spirit in which the Terms of Union were originally drafted should be fully respected. The Government of Canada appears unwilling to do this – despite a commitment made by Justin Trudeau as opposition leader prior to the 2015 federal election. Clearly, it falls to provincial politicians to speak out and demand that Ottawa meet its constitutional obligations.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with air transportation in serious crisis and unlikely to recover in the near future, affordable ferry service is particularly important to the struggling tourism sector. If the Atlantic Bubble is restored by summer 2021, Marine Atlantic will be uniquely positioned to bring significant numbers of visitors from the Maritimes – if the price is right.

Accordingly, we are requesting answers to these questions:

1.         Does your party support the principle that the ferry service between Port aux Basques and North Sydney is a part of the Trans Canada Highway, and as such the cost to users should be comparable to travelling the equivalent distance by road?

2.         Regardless of the outcome of the February 13 provincial election, will your party demand a full review of the existing Marine Atlantic ferry rates to ensure that the Government of Canada is compliant with the spirit of the 1949 Terms of Union?

TAA has sent the above questions to the parties, and we are awaiting their responses. Meanwhile, we suggest that voters who are concerned about ferry rates should engage their local candidates on the issue.